Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN) just announced on Instagram that she IS running to replace Tina Smith (DFL-MN)! https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBVrSAReUK/
Which should he win would be unprecedented for the Minnesota DFL. The last DFL Governor to try for a third straight term - Rudy Perpich - failed in 1990. There wouldn't be another DFL Governor for two decades.
A decent candidate, though like many Lieutenant Governors has never won statewide in her own right (the GOV and LG are elected jointly in MN). She's a better candidate than Keith Ellison is, that's for certain.
Neither had Smith until Dayton appointed her (most Dems were expecting then-MN AG Lori Swanson to replace Franken.) There were serious doubts about Smith's ability to campaign or serve effectively on her own, which she soon proved wrong.
Recently viewed as the field clearing kind. The Walz and Flanagan fallout could mean something but it was also really dumb. He didn’t like that she was preparing too hard to be Gov or something in the event that he became VP. Sounds kind of bitter boots mama. I should text my one friend and ask her. She’s high up in the state party and knows everything.
Personally, I’d rather Flanagan be in the Senate. She’s on the progressive side a little harder than most so her being one of 100 will hide her voting record. She’s also only 45 years old so assuming MN stays the same, she could have a long and powerful Senate career.
She also gets to play up that she’s a suburban mom, which has become one of our most reliable voting blocks.
Her being Lt Gov really says how much the DFL loves her bc that’s what made Walz pick her. It was the dream team ticket. The only candidate I could see running and being a threat is MN SoS Steve Simon. But, being in charge of elections during a Trump administration is a great way to go for Gov in 2030, assuming Walz runs again.
I wonder if Smith tipped her off about retiring some time ago, giving Flanagan time to consider, and only publicly announced it today?
If what some have said about lukewarm (at best) relations between Walz and Flanagan is true, then this is probably the best solution, with each running for a different office. They won't be tripping each other up and Walz has plenty of time to find a new running mate, assuming he does run again. He said he probably won't make an announcement about that until summer.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN) just announced on Instagram that she IS running to replace Tina Smith (DFL-MN)! https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBVrSAReUK/
Guess this means Walz is running for re-election.
Which should he win would be unprecedented for the Minnesota DFL. The last DFL Governor to try for a third straight term - Rudy Perpich - failed in 1990. There wouldn't be another DFL Governor for two decades.
She wasted no time, how good of a candidate is she?
A decent candidate, though like many Lieutenant Governors has never won statewide in her own right (the GOV and LG are elected jointly in MN). She's a better candidate than Keith Ellison is, that's for certain.
Yea my concern is she's never been tested
Neither had Smith until Dayton appointed her (most Dems were expecting then-MN AG Lori Swanson to replace Franken.) There were serious doubts about Smith's ability to campaign or serve effectively on her own, which she soon proved wrong.
Not sure how Smith's success means anything for Flanagan, given that they are, well, not the same person.
Recent similar precedent.
That winning statewide previously doesn’t matter.
More like it might not matter, at least sometimes.
Recently viewed as the field clearing kind. The Walz and Flanagan fallout could mean something but it was also really dumb. He didn’t like that she was preparing too hard to be Gov or something in the event that he became VP. Sounds kind of bitter boots mama. I should text my one friend and ask her. She’s high up in the state party and knows everything.
Personally, I’d rather Flanagan be in the Senate. She’s on the progressive side a little harder than most so her being one of 100 will hide her voting record. She’s also only 45 years old so assuming MN stays the same, she could have a long and powerful Senate career.
She also gets to play up that she’s a suburban mom, which has become one of our most reliable voting blocks.
Her being Lt Gov really says how much the DFL loves her bc that’s what made Walz pick her. It was the dream team ticket. The only candidate I could see running and being a threat is MN SoS Steve Simon. But, being in charge of elections during a Trump administration is a great way to go for Gov in 2030, assuming Walz runs again.
This is a good shuffle.
Sounds like Flanagan is a credible Senate candidate!
One less headache to worry about but certainly I don’t object if another candidate or two joins the race.
She wins unless a bunch of fucked up shit happens.
I wonder if Smith tipped her off about retiring some time ago, giving Flanagan time to consider, and only publicly announced it today?
If what some have said about lukewarm (at best) relations between Walz and Flanagan is true, then this is probably the best solution, with each running for a different office. They won't be tripping each other up and Walz has plenty of time to find a new running mate, assuming he does run again. He said he probably won't make an announcement about that until summer.
When and why did Smith decide to retire?
She just made her announcement today. She says she "wants to spend more time with (her) family."
I'm a big fan of her! Glad she jumped in